Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja put on an unbeaten stand of 104 runs for the sixth wicket as they guided India to 82 runs lead at stumps on Day two of the ongoing second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
At stumps, the visitors' scored 277/5. Rahane and Jadeja are currently unbeaten on 104 and 40 respectively.
Rahane's century earned him praises from Indian skipper Virat Kohli who has flown home for the birth of his child. Taking to Twitter Kohli wrote, "Another great day for us. Proper test cricket at its best. Absolutely top knock from Jinks @ajinkyarahane88".
Resuming day two from 36/1, Gill and Pujara were set in the first hour of the play. However, their 61-run partnership was ended by Cummins as Gill (45) fell short of his maiden Test half-century. Cummins then sent back Pujara (17) in his next over. Skipper Tim Paine took a superb one-handed catch to leave India at 64/3.
Rahane and Vihari rebuilt the Indian innings and the duo ensured that the hosts did not lose any more wickets before the end of the first session. Both batters then started the second session after weathering the storm before lunch, however, Nathan Lyon sent Vihari (21) back when the batsman tried to sweep.
Rishabh Pant then joined Rahane at the crease and the duo dominated the Australian bowlers in the second session. Pant scored runs at a strike rate of 72.50 while Rahane welcomed Cummins with a boundary in his fresh spell.
But, Mitchell Starc ended Pant's (29) innings and at the tea break, India's score read 189/5 with Ravindra Jadeja and Rahane at the crease. After the break, both Jadeja and Rahane ensured that the visitors also take the lead in the first innings.
